Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Remote · 🧑💼 hr
Remote vs Frappe HR
A complete HR suite without the license bill; the server, backups and upgrades are now in your job description. Here is how Frappe HR ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Remote ($29/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Remote vs Frappe HR Specification Matrix
facts verified 2026-08-11
| Dimension | Remote (Paid) | Frappe HR (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $29 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $348 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $348) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $1,740 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,740) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $3,480 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $3,480) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source GPL-3.0 |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Self-host (your server) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | webself-hostedself-host, real ops |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 8.5k (active aug 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Remote to Frappe HR
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
It stores employee data but does not replace Remote's legal employment, payroll, benefits and compliance services.
How to deploy Frappe HR
Launch its Docker Compose stack, or install hrms and ERPNext into an existing Frappe Bench
What it takes to run
The full Frappe/ERPNext stack brings Docker, MariaDB, Redis, proxy/TLS and version-compatible app upgrades
Where your data lives
Each Frappe site has its own MariaDB database plus private/public files directories; backups are SQL dumps and file archives under the site
Why fork Frappe HR instead of vibe-coding a Remote clone?
A consolation build is possible, but the paid product's decisive value sits outside a solo rebuild. For Remote, maintain employee records and leave approvals without payroll or employer-of-record services. The hard boundary is global entities, payroll, benefits, compliance, payments, and employment expertise, plus compliance, payroll, and regulated integrations.
Remote vs Frappe HR FAQ
Is Frappe HR a good free alternative to Remote?+
Yes. Frappe HR is a verified open-source (GPL-3.0) replacement for Remote. A complete HR suite without the license bill; the server, backups and upgrades are now in your job description.
What is the catch when switching from Remote to Frappe HR?+
It stores employee data but does not replace Remote's legal employment, payroll, benefits and compliance services.
How much do you save switching from Remote to Frappe HR?+
Remote costs $29/mo ($348/yr) per seat, whereas Frappe HR is $0/mo. Switching saves $348/yr for a solo user, $1,740/yr for a 5-person team, and $3,480/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host Frappe HR instead of Remote?+
Install: Launch its Docker Compose stack, or install hrms and ERPNext into an existing Frappe Bench. Setup: The full Frappe/ERPNext stack brings Docker, MariaDB, Redis, proxy/TLS and version-compatible app upgrades
